PS Audio HCA-2 Digital Amplifier Modifications: Reference Audio Mods


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PS Audio HCA-2 Digital Amplifier Modifications

Quantity in Basket:none
Available:
Code: PSAUDIOHCA2
Price: $0.00
Shipping Weight: 45.00 pounds

Full Modifications Package ($995 Installed/Shipped)

Send unit to RAM for installation
(We will contact you and schedule shipping,etc.)

Quantity:

Installation & Questions

WorldWide Service:

Kyle Takenaga RAM (Riverside, California) referenceaudiomods@yahoo.com phone (951)780-2869

Introduction

Reference Audio Mods offers High Performance Modifications to the now "Classic" PS Audio HCA-2 digital amplifier. Simply a superb amplifier for the money. The HCA-2 contains many great attributes as is, but as we always point out, nearly all high end audio gear can be taken further through well thought out modifications.

Modification Description

Ultra Low impedance/High Ripple Current Rubycon ZL/ZA capacitors-
We replace all reservoir, signal, and voltage rail decoupling capacitors with the Rubycon ZL/ZA series caps! In our opinion, the Rubycon capacitors sound superior to even the very best Blackgates. We believe they are the most transparent electrolytic cap available(offering more realism, space, and resolution within the soundstage)

Special Handmade Custom Diode bridges
RAM replaces all diode bridges with its own custom version.

Audio Consulting 99.99% silver wire & Natural Unbleached Cotton Tubing
Replaces all internal signal path wiring.

WBT NextGen Copper RCA connectors
We replace the stock connectors with the latest WBT NextGen connectors.

Eichmann Cablepods Binding posts
We replace the stock WBT Midline binding post to the Eichmann Cablepods.

What to Expect after the Mods...

After several iterations of the mods to the HCA-2 we finally came to agreement that the above approach was best. Immediately, one notices the airier highs and tonally natural midrange. There is now a relaxed feel to the music akin to listening during the early moring hours when the clean AC provides the magic in your system. Transients seem faster and more effortless. Dynamics are improved from top to bottom giving more realism to small quartets, large orchestrals, and vocals. A bit of flatness with the stock HCA-2 is replaced with a far more 3-dimensional holographic sound. Detail retrieval is not thought about anymore...it is simply part of the music. We urge any HCA-2 owner or even prospective buyers to consider the "Modified HCA-2" as we are confident it will easily compete with units costing thousands more.

Customer Reviews

Send us a review and share your thoughts with other customers

Reviewer: D.M.
Date: October 4th, 2005

The HCA-2, here is an interesting story: I was using the HCA-2 as my main home amp along with a PCA-2 pre. I was very happy with the combo, but, because I am a compulsive audiophile, I recently purchased a Symphonic Line Kraftquelle I Mark II integrated off Audiogon. Rolf Gemein custom builds these things to order in Germany. 140wpc, completely separate outboard power supply that is the size of a regular amp...separate power connections for the amp and preamp section, great phono stage, etc, etc. This is the only one in North America. The new retail is over $7,000 depending on the Euro conversion rate. It sounds (and looks) great but you know what? The HCA-2 sounds as good within a very small margin. I moved the HCA-2 into my office, where I actually do most of my critical listening. I was using one of Paul Gryzbek's new TAD-60 30wpc triode tube amps and the HCA-2 has all the midrange magic of the tubes. And the HCA-2 is now paired with Paul's TAD-150 Signature tube preamp, which I think sounds better than the PCA-2. The modded HCA-2 rocks!

Reviewer: Greg
Date: March 4th, 2006

Dear Doug,

I promised I would get back to you with a review of the mods made to my HCA-2 by Reference Audio Mods East. Here are some impressions.

When the amp first came back, I had to look under the 'hood' to see what you had done.

I noticed were the row of Jensen 4-pole capacitors with truly excellent point to point wiring/soldering. You were accurate with your assertion that this modification was well beyond just changing out to Blackgates. This mod is an exercise in competent design modification. The extensive wiring was uniform and well designed to not cause future problems. The solder joints were professional. This is true throughout the entire modification.

The extensive changes to the amplifier board are so well done that they were not at first obvious. But once I concentrated on the picture I took before the amp was sent to you, they came immediately obvious. Wow.

It wasn't just the change out of the capacitors to Rubycon caps, but the fine work done on the diode bridging. Impressive work.

Before I get to the sound of the amp, I have to mention the the rewire of the speaker output wiring. Very well done. Changing out the standard copper monster wiring and WBT mid grade binding posts to cotton insulated silver wiring and Eichmann cable pods hits the nail right on the head. This mod alone makes the durability of the amp better and without a doubt improves the sound output.

It is difficult for me to attribute different sound improvements to specific mods, though more knowledgeable listeners may be able to. I can say the sonic quality of the HCA-2 hasn't just improved. It has jumped into a new universe. The total mod package has given the amp a full bore, accurate representation of what ever input I provide it.

In general, distortions are some times audible even in high quality gear, but normally they sit in the background of the output just muddying things up in a disturbingly unspecific and unnoticeable way. It is when they are gone that we generally realize how much they impacted the sound.

This amp isn't just making more clear sonics, it has filled in the lower and mid bass areas with controlled depth. The modded amp grabs the woofers by their magnets and makes them mind their manners. No slop, no fuzziness, no diminishment, no trailing off. The lower registers are represented with full harmonic clarity. The wood of the Edgar Meyer's double bass is now resonating just like in live performance.

Yes, that's it. The representation of live performance IS the difference between the stock HCA-2 and the RAM mods. My girlfriend is an acoustic musician. She plays guitar, autoharp, piano. Her comment to me was on hearing several recordings, like Nickel Creek's "Why Should the Fire Die" and Abigail Washburn's "Song of the Traveling Daughter", was, "This is what playing an instrument feels like. The resonance and the harmonics are all there." She is perpetually skeptical of my audiophile nature, but now she is playing everything I own and really getting excited by what she hears. Me, too.

The high end extension improvement is noticeable, too. Percussion is sustained and complicated by the enhanced clarity. In Patricia Barber's "A Fortnight in France", not only did Michael Arnopol's bass jump to new definition, but Eric Montzka's drum solo's are just brilliant both technically and sonically.

I know the mods are expensive, but I have to tell any prospective HCA-2 owners out there that one gets a lot more than you pay for. If you can afford to do it, do it now. If not, save up. You don't need a new amp. You need a modified amp.You get a reference grade amplifier that won't shy away from any comparison to vastly more expensive units. It will floor you. And maybe your partner, too.

Best to you,

Greg